Stop the Slaughter of Risso's Dolphins in Faroe Island

IN DANISH

The Prime Minister Kaj Leo Johannesen ,  and   Jacob Vestergaard, Minister of Fisheries

Jeg skriver til Dem, da jeg til min store sorg erfarer, at der stadig foreg%uFFFDr kulturel drab af grindehvaler p%uFFFD F%uFFFDr%uFFFDerne. Til trods for massiv pres fra hele verden %uFFFDnsker det f%uFFFDr%uFFFDske folk ikke at %uFFFDndre p%uFFFD traditionen.

I forbindelse med fangsten er der adskillige faktorer der g%uFFFDr, at grindehvalerne risikerer at lide. Det kan blandt andet v%uFFFDre stressende og traumatisk for hvalerne, at blive jagtet af motorb%uFFFDde flere kilometer af gangen. Dette g%uFFFDlder b%uFFFDde for de hvaler der bliver fanget, men ogs%uFFFD for de hvaler der overlever, og derfor bliver skilt fra deres flok (hvaler er intelligente pattedyr, der er i stand til at kommunikere med, og knytte t%uFFFDtte b%uFFFDnd til hinanden.

De hvaler der hales i land med en stump krog, er ogs%uFFFD i fare for at lide under fangsten. N%uFFFDr den stumpe krog stikkes ind i hvalernes %uFFFDndehul, er der nemlig sandsynlighed for, at det kan skabe indre bl%uFFFDdninger i deres lunger. Samtidig kan krogen ogs%uFFFD forhindre hvalerne i at %uFFFDnde, eller helt forhindre %uFFFDndehullet i at kunne lukke sig igen.

Selvom aflivningen i nogle tilf%uFFFDlde er hurtigt overst%uFFFDet, er der ogs%uFFFD her mulighed for, at hvalerne lider i l%uFFFDngere tid. For eksempel, hvis personen der f%uFFFDrer kniven er uerfaren, eller hvis hvalerne k%uFFFDmper imod, i forbindelse med de smerter man p%uFFFDf%uFFFDrer dem, med krogen de bliver halet i land med.

Vi har v%uFFFDret kendt rundt om i verden for vores gode dyrevelf%uFFFDrds politik. Desv%uFFFDrre er dette image ved at blegne, da det er Danmark, der bliver n%uFFFDvnt i forbindelse med disse drab. Det er helt urimeligt, at man i 2009 stadig dyrker denne tradition. Det er en skamplet p%uFFFD Danmark. Desuden er der det faktum at det nu er bevist at Grindehvaler ( som alle andre hvaler) oplagrer tungmetaller i kroppen hvilket g%uFFFDr at k%uFFFDdet faktisk er giftigt, s%uFFFD nu m%uFFFD det ikke l%uFFFDngere spises men hvorfor s%uFFFD fange dem? 

Jeg ved at F%uFFFDringerne bruger hval olien til at producere parfume af. Intet dyr b%uFFFDr bruges til parfume. 

Vi skal v%uFFFDrne om de efterh%uFFFDnden f%uFFFD dyr, der er tilbage p%uFFFD verdensplan. Vi skal respektere disse dyr. Det er levende v%uFFFDsener og en del af hele vores eco-system. 

Intet menneske har lov til at beg%uFFFD rovdrift p%uFFFD dyr for at at opretholde en old gammel tradition.

Danske borgere betaler mange penge i skat og %uFFFDnsker ikke deres skatte kroner skal bruges til at financere denne forf%uFFFDrdelige tradition udf%uFFFDrt af et folk, der ikke kan opfylde dyre velf%uFFFDrds rettigheder.. 

Jeg beder dem kigge p%uFFFD dette problem og tage aff%uFFFDre.

Tak fordi De tog Dem tid til at l%uFFFDse mit brev.

Med venlig hilsen

The Undersigned

IN ENGLISH

Dear Prime Minister of Denmark
Mr. Lars L%uFFFDkke Rasmussen 

I am writing to you because I get to my great sorrow learns that there is still cultural killing of pilot whales in the Faroe Islands. In spite of massive pressure from the whole world wants the Faroese people not to change the tradition. 

In connection with the catch, there are several factors that make that pilot whales may suffer. It may in particular stressful and traumatic for the whales to be hunted by motor boats for miles at a time. This applies to both the whales are caught, but also for the whales to survive, and therefore become separated from their flock (whales are intelligent mammals are able to communicate with and establish strong ties with each other. 

The whales are hauled ashore with a blunt hook is also in danger of suffering the catch. When the blunt hook inserted into the whales\\\\\\\' breathing space, is as likely that they can cause internal bleeding in their lungs. At the same time the hook can also prevent the whales in the spiritual, or even prevent breathing hole to close again. 

While killing in some cases are quickly over, here too the possibility that the whales are suffering for longer. For example, if the person flying knife is inexperienced or if the whales are fighting against, in connection with the pain Mon inflict them on the hook they will be overtaken in the country. 

We have been known around the world for our good animal welfare policy. Unfortunately, this image by wane, as it is Denmark, which is mentioned in connection with these killings. It is absurd that in 2010 still cultivate this tradition. It is a stain on Denmark. Moreover, the fact that it is now proven that pilot whales (like all other cetaceans) storing heavy metals in the body which makes the meat really is toxic, so now it is no longer eaten but why catch them? 

I know that the Faroese are using whale oil for the production of perfume. No animal should be used in perfume. We must protect the now few animals left in the world. We must respect these animals. They are living creatures and a part of our eco-system. No man is allowed to commit over-exploitation of animals in order to maintain an ancient tradition. 

Danish citizens pay much money in taxes and do not want their tax money be used to fina advertise this terrible tradition performed by a people who can not comply with animal welfare rights. 

I ask you to look at this problem and take action. 
Thank you for taking your time to read my letter. 
Sincerely, 

The Undersigned

TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE EU COMISSION

President Jos%uFFFD Manuel Barroso European Commission

Subject: \\\\\\\"Please, stop killing whales in the Faroe Islands\\\\\\\"

Dear President Dur%uFFFDo Barroso

I am writing today to share my disturbance regarding the malicious slaughter of whales and dolphins that occurs annually in the Faroes Islands. This practice involves manipulating the whale\\\\\\\'s and dolphin\\\\\\\'s route and destination by forcing them together and into an area from which they are unable to escape. Once imprisoned in this area, they are needlessly and violently slaughtered, subjected to extremely cruel actions that cause intense suffering, prolonged pain, and fear, and that cannot be legitimately described as either humane or justified. Indeed, it is significant to illustrate these actions as evidence of extreme indifference and a gross disrespect of sentient life. As such, I respectfully request that the European Union exerts its influence to effect an immediate discontinuation of this indefensible hunt. 

This event is promoted as a cultural tradition, a celebration of heritage and spirit, but mitigating words and euphemistic descriptions cannot conceal the inherently barbaric nature of this hunt. Any celebration built on a foundation of extreme animal cruelty, exploitation, and suffering cannot be justified as an expression of historical pride; indeed, condemning whales and dolphins, or any other animals, to a torturous ceremony is indefensible. Commemorating cultural history is admirable, yet subjecting an innocent creature to such a primitive rituals only demonstrates Denmark as an apathetic and unprincipled society. Furthermore, from a pragmatic position, you should be aware of the toxicity of whale and dolphin meat, and consumption of such could prove dangerous. 

I am asking that the European Union provides immediate relief on behalf of our animal friends: I implore upon you to act swiftly and responsibly by enacting an immediate moratorium on these savage hunts. Regrettably, until such a time, I feel my only recourse is to promote a boycott of Denmark with respect to both tourism and products. Please provide your obligatory duty and responsibility by protecting these animals; your ethical gesture of compassion would serve as an international model of empathy. 
Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue. 

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

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